In Jude 4, we read that Jesus Christ (I am aware of variant readings and interpretations) is "our only Owner and Lord" (TON MONON DESPOTHN KAI KURION hHMWN).
If Jesus is the proper referent discussed in this passage, then Jude's use of "only" may seem somewhat problematic since (as subordinationists generally understand the matter) Jesus is not the "only" Lord for Christians.
Assuming a subordinationist understanding of matters, I would like to ask whether the word "only" excludes others from serving as lords for Christian followers of Jesus. In other words, does MONOS have to mean that there is no other Lord for the Christian congregation but Jesus Christ? I think the question is fitting in light of what Revelation 15:4 says about God:
TIS OU MH FOBHQHi KURIE KAI DOXASEI TO ONOMA SOU hOTI MONOS hOSIOS
Yet we also read that an "overseer" (TON EPISKOPON) must be hOSION (Titus 1:8). Furthermore, Christians are exhorted to lift up "holy hands" (hOSIOUS XEIRAS) in prayer to God (1 Ti 2:8).
So it seems that the doxological exclamation MONOS hOSIOS (in Revelation 15:4) does not mean others cannot be hOSIOS or possess the quality of hOSIOTHS.
For the record, one dictionary defines the English word "only" in this way:
"unquestionably the best--PEERLESS; alone in its class or kind: SOLE <an only child>"
So Jehovah's quality of holiness that belongs to him alone can be understood in more than one sense. Compare 1 Samuel 2:2.
